VOLUME 10 ISSUE 98 n fEbruary 2014
contents
12 CoVER FEATuRE
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Side-by-Side living The charm of the semidetached home is evident in Brookfield Residential’s Linden
FEATuRE
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The design insider Tommy Smythe takes the limelight at the Calgary Home + Garden Show
PubLICaTIONS aGreeMeNT NO. 41072011. reTurN uNDeLIVerabLe CaNaDIaN aDDreSSeS TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, alberta T2H 0J9
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contents
17 21
44
focus on
10 Alarm bells
New alarm clock designs start your day the right way
Show home profiles
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Leisurely lifestyle
Jager Homes’ Hillsborough 2 expertly blends style and function
21 Creating comfort
Maillot Homes’ decades long custom home expertise on display in Marda Loop
10
Community Profile
26 Welcome to The Willows of River Heights
La Vita’s second Cochrane community offers small town charm
Lifestyle
30 Loving Airdrie living
Young couple’s lifestyle in tune with Windsong
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Shopping
39 Bed weather
Know how to pick your sheets and covers for the perfect comfy bed
Feature
44 Monochrome style
Single-colour schemes inspire
columns
47 Around Town 54 Hope at Large
Items
8 Editor’s Message 50 Maps 52 Advertiser Index
editor’s message
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pubLIsHEr
Source Media Group
Spring is coming!
info@sourcemediagroup.ca
As you read this, the snow may be still flying fast and furious in this interminable winter of 2014 that we’re suffering through, but I see the glimmer for warmer weather on the way. And that glimmer is the Calgary Home + Garden Show, the city’s biggest consumer home show of the year, and something that always seems to raise my hopes for warmer weather ahead. The show has almost become a rite of spring for me, and I always look forward to the new designs and tradecraft that have been a hallmark at the show. But I’m mostly looking forward to meeting with celebrity designer Tommy Smythe, whom we feature in this issue. He seems to be a really fascinating new designer with a lot of fresh ideas, and it will be nice to catch the lively discussions he’ll have at the show. With spring comes finding new ideas to design homes, and a lot of our readers do this by going to the show homes in town. And if you’re a first-time homebuyer you won’t be disappointed by visiting Brookfield Residential’s Side-by-Side Homes in Cranston. They are our cover feature this issue, and we got to talk to a newlywed couple that just bought their first home and have fallen in love with it. We also visit Maillot Homes’ stunning new duplex show home near Marda Loop, one of the trendiest inner-city neighbourhoods that makes a perfect location for Maillot’s brand of custom homes. We also feature Jager Homes in Rainbow Falls in Chestermere, which represents the other end of the spectrum of the suburban/inner-city dichotomy that dictates demand in the homes market. Our at-large reporter, Marty Hope, uncovers the seemingly renewed vigour in the resort market of the Rockies in his column, as new life is blossoming in the long dormant market that was particularly hit hard by the last recession. Then, we also get to explore the new community of The Willows in Cochrane, which just goes to show that all the action in homebuilding seems to be migrating to the surrounding areas. We get to look at the phenomenon more in our Loving East Side Living next month, which will be quickly followed by Loving Cochrane Living and Loving Airdrie Living in upcoming issues of New Home Living. There’s a lot to look forward to this year, there is a full slate of new show home openings already in the midst of construction in some of the best communities around that offer a wide choice for buyers. We can’t wait to tell you about them in the coming issues.
a s s O c I at E p u b L I s H E r
Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca EdItOr
Pepper rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca art dIrEctOr
Jean Faye rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GrapHIc dEsIGNErs
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Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca p r O d u c t I O N a d M I N I s t r at O r
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EdItOrIaL
Karen Durrie, aaliya essa, Marty Hope, Paige Johnston, Kathy McCormick, Janine Workman pHOtOGrapHy
Don Molyneaux adVErtIsING saLEs
Heather Dougall
heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca accOuNtING
Donna roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca dIstrIbutEd by
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PrINTeD IN CaNaDa
©Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289.
NExt MONtH:
Loving East Side Living.
@CalgaryNewHomes
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NewHomeLivingCalgary
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focus on
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Alarm bells New alarm clock designs start your day the right way
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n by
Aaliya Essa
What did people do before alarm clocks? Roosters must have played a major role back then, but not anymore. Nowadays, the basic tool to help us rise in the morning is so much more than just that. Alarm clocks come with so many new features, attachments, colours, shapes, and styles. The varieties are endless for matching with the décor of your home and, of course, your preference. It’s just a matter of choosing the one that suits you. NL 1] iHome Bluetooth clock radio, $69.99 at Future Shop. 2] iCraig dual alarm clock radio, $58.83 at Walmart. iPhone not included. 3] Angry Birds twin bell alarm clock, $17.96 at Walmart. 4] Sony iPod clock radio, $89.97 at Future Shop. iPhone not included. 5] aRoc REV Turbo Alarm Clock, $25.99 at Future Shop. 6] Sangean AM/FM Atomic clock radio, $64.98 at Future Shop. 7] Twin bell alarm clock, $32.95 at Pier1 imports. 8] Spiderman bank alarm clock, $19.96 at Walmart.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Side-by-side The charm of the semi-detached home is evident in Brookfield Residential’s Linden
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semi-detached dwelling may be the halfway point between a single-family home and a multi-family development, but with Brookfield Residential’s Side-by-Side Homes there is nothing halfway in the value it gives first-time homebuyers and right-sizers. Brookfield Residential Side-by-Side Homes have been a big hit in Cranston ever since it launched last year, and — now on its last phase — it is still the best bang-for-the-buck home in the single-family market in this southeast neighbourhood. “It has unbeatable value, a well-designed, well-executed floor plan, available at a very budget-friendly price, there’s nothing quite like us in the southeast,” says area sales manager, Matt Arnold. This value-laden deal was just what Drew and Tracy were looking for. The couple, who were married just last summer, couldn’t be happier with the 1,404-square-foot Linden model they bought and were able to spend Christmas in their new home.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
living “This was the best option for us, we wanted to live in a single-family home but the detached model that we were looking at was 250 square-feet smaller than the Linden, and still more expensive,” Drew tells New Home Living. “This way we get a bigger home and still able to afford some of the upgrades that we wanted,” he says. The Linden, in fact, has been Brookfield Residential’s best selling semi-attached model in Cranston. “Majority of our sales here have been for the Linden, and it’s not surprising, it has everything a first-time homebuyer wants in a home,” Arnold explains. Tracy says the big window above the L-shaped kitchen counter was a great feature that she just fell in love with. “We love that our kitchen sink is by the window as it frees up the island for when you are hosting a dinner party. By having the sink by the window, it also gives us more cabinet space at the bottom of our centre island.” Drew and Tracy with Murphy
Photos on this spread are of The Linden show home.
Drew adds that the open design also allows a lot of light from the outside. “We get a ton of natural light indoors, you hardly ever even have to turn on the light in the kitchen,” he says. Having a side door (a standard) was also a big plus. “This was just very convenient for our puppy, it opens right up to his dog run,” Drew adds. “We were very happy with the flow of the design — how the half-bath isn’t right in your kitchen — and we were even able to get the option to put our laundry upstairs, which makes more sense to us. The value was definitely there.” It’s a home you can grow into and there are opportunities for future “sweat equity,” Arnold says. “The basement rough-ins for a bathroom are standard and makes it easy should you decide to extend your living space. A parking pad is provided at the back where you can build a big detached garage, too.”
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“We get a ton of natural light indoors, you hardly ever even have to turn on the light in the kitchen.” February 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Photos on this page are of The Sequoia show home.
Also a big factor for Drew and Tracy was that they wanted to remain in the south. “Tracy’s lived in Cranston a few years now, and we’re very comfortable here. We know the neighbourhood and the many convenient amenities it offers. The opening of the Stoney Trail interchange was a big plus for me, because I work in the north part of Calgary and getting there now just takes me 15 minutes.” Arnold says having the South Health Campus hospital at their doorstep works for them in a couple of ways, too. “This gives residents the peace of mind of having a major hospital nearby, and we’re also getting plenty of buyers looking to work at the hospital. The future plans for the development of the Seton Commercial Centre also augurs well for residents.” Drew says another key consideration for them in choosing a Sideby-Side Home is that they won’t have to pay condo fees. “It’s our own lawn to mow, our own walk to shovel, it’s our home to take care of.” Arnold says that it is this kind of pride-of-ownership that is important to their buyers. “You can take advantage of the freedom of your own yard and also control the cost of maintaining your home.” The Linden may be the best seller but Brookfield offers four more models of what they call “jewel box homes” in Cranston that are just as stylish and functional. They are available in two- or three-bedroom models ranging in size from 1,116 to 1,430 square-feet. The Sequoia is their other Side-by-Side show home in Cranston. It starts from 1,413 square-feet and has a very flexible floor plan with as many as four upper floor options — two dual master bedroom concepts, two three-bedroom options. Its galley style central kitchen is one of its most popular features. Arnold says that no matter which Side-by-Side model you choose, you get a well designed home with fantastic curb appeal. “We put a premium in creating well-crafted, well-designed homes,” he adds. “They have unbelievable curb appeal, as well, that really fits the family-friendly ambience of Cranston — and it helps that Brookfield is also the land developer of the community.” The Side-by-Side Homes have been so popular here that they are down to the last 51 lots. “We had a total of 63 lots in this final phase, and we’ve sold 12 already, we just don’t want buyers to miss out on this opportunity,” he says. n
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FAST FACTS: community: Cranston Builder: Brookfield Residential Style: Semi-attached homes size: From 1,116 to 1,430 sq. ft. Price: Starts from the low $300,000s plus GST Address: 109 Cranford Way S.E. Directions: South on Deerfoot Tr. and exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.livebrookfield.com *Brookfield Residential also offers Side-by-Side homes in Auburn Bay
Jager Homes n show home profile
Leisurely Lifestyle Jager Homes’ Hillsborough 2 expertly blends style and function
n Written by
Janine Workman
Built for the busy family and the avid entertainer, the Hillsborough 2 by Jager Homes is a beautifully crafted blend of rustic warmth and modern luxury. At 2,407 square-feet, the Hillsborough 2 is one of 14 home styles available from Jager Homes in the popular Rainbow Falls community of Chestermere. This show home best exemplifies the sophisticated and practical design you get in all Jager products. “This home works for young professionals without children, as well as larger families,” says Zee Tassi, area manager for Jager Homes in Rainbow Falls. “Younger couples love the entertaining appeal of this home, and for growing families it has a lot of space.”
With a triple-car garage, the Hillsborough was designed with the lakeside lifestyle of Chestermere in mind, offering an extra bay of space for the active family and their outdoor equipment. The exterior of the show home features elegant curb appeal, with sand-coloured siding, dark trim and exceptional stone detail. Illustrating the functionality of this estate home is the wide mudroom off the garage entrance that features built-in lockers and hooks, while the main front entrance itself is a study in warm, welcoming elegance with views of the stately wood-and-wrought iron staircase. Wide, arched doorways and over-sized doors add a feel of luxury to the home, which is further complemented by dark, wideplanked hardwood. “It's contemporary-rustic and people just love that look,” Tassi says. “It's a beautiful show home.” The open main floor living space features an eating nook and great room, anchored together by a spacious kitchen, with a central island and an eating bar — perfect for the chef who wants to entertain while cooking a gourmet meal. “There is functionality to this kitchen, because everything is there, and people really love the size of the island,” Tassi explains.
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show home profile n
“Younger couples love the entertaining appeal of this home, and for growing families it has a lot of space.” White maple cabinets surround the kitchen, contrasting beautifully with dark maple cabinetry around the island. Countertops are glossy, black granite and a backsplash features an earthy mosaic of grey, green and beige tile. Stainless steel appliances include a beverage centre, and pot lights and pendulum lighting exemplify both the modern and country appeal of the space. An extended-height pantry door opens to a large walk-through storage space to the mudroom, allowing for much-needed convenience when bringing in groceries from the garage. The living room features a Marquis Infinite fireplace, surrounded by the same stone mosaic tile that wraps around the kitchen. Elegance and opulence continues on the upper floor. An arched entrance leads to a front bonus room, where a bank of oversized windows offer spectacular views of the Rockies. With Jager, functionality is never far behind in the design, exemplified by the spacious upstairs laundry room. It is designed to make this tedious
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household chore a breeze, with a large counter space for folding clothes, upper and lower cabinets for storage and an over-sized sink for hand-washables. “It’s so functional, people really like the upper floor laundry room,” Tassi says. Two good-sized bedrooms have closets with double doors and a main bath are also located upstairs, but when asked what wows visitors to the Hillsborough 2 the most, Tassi says — without hesitation: “It’s always the master bedroom.” It has a complete feel of a retreat from the outside world, including a sitting area on a raised platform surrounded by a bank of windows. “The raised sitting area has multi-use, whether you want to use it as a place to have a cup of coffee, or to read — it’s a retreat,” Tassi says. An attached ensuite has dual vanities, granite counter tops, a corner soaker tub, a tile and glass shower with a rain shower head,
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a private toilet area and a spacious walk-in closet. And, with this much space, Tassi explains the second storey can easily be altered to accommodate families by adding a fourth bedroom or a jack-and-jillstyle bathroom. “We can do just about anything,” Tassi says. “When people come in with their wish list we totally accommodate them.” Starting in the $500,000’s, the Hillsborough 2 is among the last chances to build in Rainbow Falls. With construction underway on the final two phases, residents will enjoy all the benefits of building their dream home in an already maturing community. Situated on the westernmost edge of Chestermere, Rainbow Falls offers an exceptional quality of living as a lake community, minutes to the big city. “What I like about Chestermere is the small-town feel, people know each other, it’s a very friendly environment,” Tassi says. Calgary commuters will appreciate the community’s accessibility to the city, as it is a five-minute drive to the new ring road of Stoney Trail, a seven-minute drive to Glenmore Trail and 30-minute drive to just about anywhere else in Calgary. Close to Chestermere Lake, residents of Rainbow Falls enjoy access to fishing, sailing, skating and tobogganing. Networks of pathways and a contiguous park offer the perfect setting for an evening stroll. “The demand for this community has been unbelievable. This is the future right here,” Tassi says. NL
“We can do just about anything… When people come in with their wish list we totally accommodate them.”
show home profile
fast facts builder: Jager Homes Community: Rainbow Falls in Chestermere developer: Rainbow Falls Development Style: Triple front garage estate home size: 2,407 sq. ft. Price: Starts in the $500,000s address: 64 Rainbow Falls Blvd. Directions: Head east on 17th Avenue S.E. until it becomes Chestemere Boulevard, then take a right on Rainbow Road Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.jagerhomes.com
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Maillot Homes n show home profile
Creating comfort Maillot Homes’ decades long custom home expertise on display in Marda Loop
n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
Nothing says class like a custom home. Like going to your favourite restaurant and ordering a not-on-the-menu meal, a true customized home fits the owner’s tastes and personality in all aspects, turning the home of their dreams into reality. Unless you’re Mike Holmes and have a team of industry professionals at your beck and call, partnering with a trusted builder is the first step in achieving this dream. Maillot Homes has perfected the art of creating custom dream homes in over 60 years of experience in Calgary, amassing an impressive amount of unique, design-driven homes from traditional to contemporary styles and all points in between. Just take a look at their latest masterpiece in the Marda Loop area. Their current show home is part of a three-storey attached home whose big windows and spacious balconies take advantage of its spectacular infill lot on 29 Avenue S.W. “This street is the highest point in the inner-city and we took full advantage of the location to create spaces that maximize the spectacular views,” says Maillot Homes’ Calla Mitchell. In fact, one of Maillot Homes’ defining building practices is letting the contour of the lot influence the design of the home, which Mitchell says is always their first consideration. “We advise owners on the best way to maximize the enjoyment of their home as dictated by the lot, designing the home in such a way that takes the best advantage of sunlight and views.”
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The 2,326-square-foot three-storey home also boasts a further 820 square-feet in the developed basement. An open concept layout establishes a contemporary vibe, enhanced by the five-inch hand-scraped Maple hardwood floors, high ceilings and the prevalence of oversized windows throughout. The glass-railed open-riser staircase isn’t just aesthetically driven, as it serves an important purpose. “The open risers maintain sightlines throughout the house, which enhances the open-concept design,” Mitchell says. The custom eight-foot tall PalDao wood and glass integrated front door sets a sophisticated tone for the home, and Mitchell says all their doors are solid wood. There’s a den/office off the foyer that she says owners can turn into a formal dining room if they want. “We put extra lighting in it so they can use it as a formal dining room or for whatever purpose,” she adds. The modern chef’s kitchen features granite tops for the island and peripheral counters that blend well with the custom crafted beech, maple and lacquered cabinetry. The oven, microwave and integrated panel fridge are all set along the kitchen cabinetry for a smooth, seamless look, and doubling the efficiency of the space. A full wall, marble tile clad 42-inch linear burner fireplace brings a warm glow
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to the living room, and the 10-foot ceilings in the main floor add to the spacious feel. The master bedroom, luxurious five-piece ensuite and walk-in closet are in the next level up along with a spare bedroom, a second floor laundry and another full bath. Another flight of stairs up brings you to the loft and rooftop patio. “This home was designed with the professional couple in mind, with lots of space for entertaining friends — including a loft on the third floor with its own balcony that’s just perfect for having company over and enjoying some wine with spectacular views of the city,” Mitchell says. The home also has a developed basement with a bedroom and full bath that is perfect
for guests. “We don’t see a lot of buyers with big families here in this area, we mostly see couples and empty nesters. We designed this duplex to suit this particular market segment,” Mitchell says. At $1.395 million, the home is filled with top-of-the-line appliances and features that fit a modern lifestyle. “We never duplicate anything. Every home we create is as unique as the individual we’re building it for,” says Mitchell. “We’re a true custom builder.” Maillot Homes creates 10 to 12 homes every year, mostly through word-ofmouth. “Our clients are truly happy and recommend Maillot Homes to their friends and family. Much of our business is built on this goodwill,” she says. NL
fast facts buILdEr: Maillot Homes cOMMuNIty: Just north of Marda Loop styLE: Three-storey duplex, plus developed basement sIzE: 3,146 sq. ft. of living space on four levels prIcE: $1.395 million addrEss: 2121 29 ave. S.W. dIrEctIONs: From Glenmore, north on Crowchild Tr., east on 33 ave. S.W., left on 21 St, and right on 29 ave. HOurs: Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. WEb: www.maillothomes.com
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community profile n
Welcome to the willows of river heights
La Vita’s second Cochrane community offers small town charm
n Written by
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Pepper Rodriguez
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T h e q u i e t cou n t r y living that city folks can only dream about is very much in evidence at The Willows or River Heights — people come to Cochrane’s newest community to experience firsthand the small-town lifestyle. But The Willows offer much more than that. This second development by La Vita Land in Cochrane is named after the many willow trees that populate the area. Known for their deep roots, the willow tree symbolizes the values that this 28-hectare piece of land in Cochrane’s River Heights district stands for. Located in the southeast corner of town, The Willows of River Heights sits right across Highway 22 from La Vita’s hit first development, Fireside, but will have a much more exclusive feel as there will only be 450 homes on build out. “It’s a smaller, more intimate community. It will have more of a boutique feel,” says La Vita Land’s Theresa Tucci. Phase One just opened last fall and has 79 laned and front-garage homes from Janssen Homes, Nuvista Homes, and Kingsmith Homes. There will be four phases in total, and townhomes are planned down the road. With the Rockies as its backdrop and the Bow River down the hill, The Willows has an inviting natural environment. The Willows will also feature preserved wetlands and a large central park
community profile
with interconnecting pathways and a future school site. It is designed to shine a spotlight on its natural beauty, with 25 per cent of the project dedicated to parks and open spaces. “There is a future school site for growing families and there is also already an established high school right next door,” Tucci adds. “The Willows is all about embracing Cochrane’s small-town value,” says NuVista Homes’ area manager, Hal Firlotte, adding that their show home here — The Banbury — is designed to accommodate all the needs of a young family with small children or a young couple just starting out in their life together. That demographic makes up most of the market in Cochrane, he adds. The Willows is part of the Town of Cochrane’s River Heights Area Structure Plan, which includes establishing an employment centre, a transit hub and a village centre. The plan also
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community profile
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fast facts cOMMuNIty: The Willows of river Heights dEVELOpEr: La Vita Land Company buILdErs: NuVista Homes, Janssen Homes, Kingsmith Homes styLE: Laned and front-attached garage homes prIcE: Semi-detached homes start from the $280,000s, single-family from the $320,000s
the Willows aerial view.
aims to preserve the environment with a Wetland Conservation program and provide residents plenty of recreational opportunities through parks, pathways and open public spaces. tucci says it’s clear why people will want to live in the Willows. “it’s escape without the isolation. We’re just 20 minutes from Calgary’s western edge and easy for commuters. people want the small town lifestyle but still live close to the city.” Besides, she says your dollar stretches further in buying a home in Cochrane over Calgary. “You get more square footage for your money. prices start in the $280,000s for semi-detached and $320,000 for single-family.” Cochrane itself continues to grow at a fast clip. total residential building permits in this small town at the foothills of the Rockies have increased by 44 per cent in 2013, tucci says. “there is lots of growth in Cochrane so that the new-home value of your investment is a sound one. the Willows is the perfect place to put down roots.” three show homes are now open. NL
“We’re just 20 minutes from Calgary’s western edge and easy for commuters. People want the small town lifestyle but still live close to the city.” 28 | NE W HOME LIVING
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dIrEctIONs: West on Highway 1 and exit on Highway 22 towards Cochrane HOurs: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEb: www.thewillowcochrane.com
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lifestyle
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Loving Airdrie living Karen Durrie Don Molyneaux
n WRiTTEN By PHoToS By
Young couple’s lifestyle in tune with Windsong
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ometimes, unexpected things happen when you purchase a brand new home. In Tyler Pinkerton and Ashley Pederson’s case, the surprises were welcome ones that made a good buying experience into a great one. Tyler and Ashley, along with their two-year-old daughter, Kaida; Labradoodle, Winston; and cat, Lo Mao; moved into their new house in Airdrie’s Windsong community in September. Built by Mattamy Homes, the 1,411-square-foot, two-storey Wilmont model is the couple’s first house purchase, and they found the entire experience exceeding their expectations. When the home was complete, a few surprise upgrades included higher quality pile carpet, a larger back porch, an upgraded fridge and installation of a ceramic-top stove (the standard was a coil top, but the company standard was upgraded during the building phase), and a garage door opener for their attached single-car garage. “Our builder said ‘We gave you a little present,’ and the garage door opener was a $500 upgrade,” Tyler says. “They said ‘You’ve been so awesome, we have done this for you.’” The pair says their easygoing nature made for a great working relationship with the builder’s construction and maintenance workers, who sometimes deal with buyers micromanaging every detail and frequently disrupting work. Tyler and Ashley understand what it’s like to please discerning and demanding customers themselves, as they are both auto body technicians in Calgary — Ashley works at a restoration shop; and Tyler at a collision repair operation.
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They were living in a basement suite in Huntington Hills prior to their move to Airdrie, and were looking for an affordable house that would give them the biggest bang for their buck. “The main thing that attracted us to this was the yard. Nowadays all you usually see is a border of grass and that’s it. We have room to build a deck back there,” Ashley says. “But the number one thing was price,” adds Tyler. “What you can get here in Airdrie is so much more incredible than what you can get (for the same price) in Calgary, and the commute is just an extra 10 minutes for us.” The couple also loved the process of being able to pick out all their colours and finishes in one place. It was not what they expected from the process after speaking to friends that had bought new homes. “We were a bit gun-shy about building new, and going to all the appointments, driving around the city
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for colours and flooring styles, etc. At Mattamy it’s all in one place,” Ashley says. It took the pair three hours in one shot to choose colours, cabinetry and surfaces, and they were done. Ashley laughs about how the jocular Tyler feels about the mahogany-hued laminate floor. “The first two weeks we were here, he’d be sweeping the floor and going ‘I love this floor. I just love this floor.’” After looking at several different options, the pair picked the Wilmont because of its main floor plan. Walking into a nice-sized foyer with a generous front closet, past a powder room with a sleek pedestal sink, the main floor opens to an all-in-one living room, kitchen and dining area. Espresso cabinetry with brushed nickel pulls, granite-look laminate countertops, black appliances, a large island, and modern frosted glass and nickel light fi xtures give the space an upscale feel. Tyler and Ashley are still getting to know their new city, but they love what they’ve found and experienced in Airdrie so far. “Ever since we’ve moved to Airdrie, I almost refuse to buy things in Calgary,” Tyler laughs. “He has a lot of Airdrie pride,” Ashley adds. Tyler says he can’t wait to get little Kadia involved in local children’s programs such as sports. And he’s already found some favourite food haunts in the area, including Nathan’s for the cheesesteak sandwiches, and Sophie’s Pizza, and they will be sampling sushi joints to add a new favourite. “We’ve also got really awesome neighbours, which is really helpful, and the block is nearly done, so we don’t have to worry about looking at open excavation,” Ashley says.
lifestyle
although their new home is considered a starter model, Tyler can envision staying beyond their loosely-planned five to 10 years before looking to move up. They do, however, get to look at a lovely pastoral scene of nature reserve and farms in the distance, in a space between houses that leads to pathways that link to an extensive city system. The pair paid $316,820 for their new home, which included landscaping and about $8,000 in upgrades. The second floor of the house features a main bath and three bedrooms — two of which are currently dedicated to Kaida for a bedroom and playroom. The sizeable master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an ensuite featuring a “super shower” — a five-foot wide tiled stall with a raised showerhead. A small alcove, perfect for bookshelves, stands in place of the second-floor laundry found in the plans. Ashley says she’s a traditionalist, and prefers to have her laundry room in the basement, close to her crafting area — she is a gifted seamstress. They both love the attached garage, as both are avid motorcyclists, and wanted a place to Tyler, Ashley baby Ashley’s vintage 1970 Triumph Tiger and and Kaida Tyler’s 2007 Suzuki Boulevard. Although their new home is considered a starter model, Tyler says he can envision staying beyond their loosely-planned five to 10 years before looking to move up. And considering how in love Tyler and Ashley are with their new house, that’s no surprise. NL
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The design insider
Tommy Smythe takes the limelight at the Calgary Home + Garden Show n Written by
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Pepper Rodriguez
n all aspects of life, finding the right match is what everyone looks for. Whether it’s for a job, a home, or a significant other — finding that personal connection is key to our happiness. But in finding most of these, luck and circumstance play a significant role. Not so in the world of interior design, where an eye in finding the right match is absolutely critical. That’s the hardest part of the job, but to Tommy Smythe, it’s also the most fun. Smythe has been a staple in several hit TV design shows, where he has established himself for his “contagious enthusiasm and fun loving approach to decor and renovating.” His love for combining antique pieces with modern décor has been a particular hallmark of his work.
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His love for combining antique pieces with modern décor has been a particular hallmark of his work. February 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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“I do not consider a room complete until it has the right balance of vintage and modern elements. Trends and whimsy are not a focus for me. I strive to create a feeling of timless elegance and gracious living in soulful environments.”
“I do not consider a room complete until it has the right balance of vintage and modern elements. Trends and whimsy are not a focus for me. I strive to create a feeling of timeless elegance and gracious living in soulful environments,” he says. “I’ve always felt that contemporary interiors benefit from the history and soul of antique and vintage furnishings. Rooms containing only new items can feel a bit sterile and lacking in depth.” This is where his talent in finding the fight design match comes into play. “There is a skill involved in combining old and new, but I really feel it’s something everyone can learn to do. As with anything, if you want to be good at it, you’ve got to do your homework and learn about it. There are no shortcuts.” He certainly didn’t take any shortcuts in establishing his career. The Toronto-based Smythe has been working in the design industry for more than 15 years, and has starred or appeared in shows like Design Inc., The Marilyn Denis Show (CTV), Steven and Chris (CBC), and CityLine (CityTV). But it was in Sarah Richardson’s shows — Sarah 101, Sarah’s House, and Sarah’s Cottage — where he became a bonafide star. But even in his early days, Smythe’s skill in finding the right match was evident, after all, he did find the right mentors who were able to help him discover his design identity. “I started out by seeking mentorships. Youssef Hasbani, proprietor of L’Atelier in Toronto was a great teacher. I worked for him during the time he was building the Caban brand with Joe Mimran. Youssef was known as “The Master of the Mix”,” he says. “The late, great John Manuel was a mentor as well. He taught me that glamour and comfort can exist within the same environment and that good taste alone will not a successful design career make. John was a true legend. After a couple of years at L’Atelier under Youssef’s guidance, I left to work for Sarah Richardson…and the rest, as they say… well you know the rest.” Known for his warm and personal mixture of fine art, vintage, antique
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and modern furnishings pulled together with a cutting edge colour sense, Tommy never lets it all feel too serious. “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing!” His style is confidently his own, and growing up in Tornoto, spending summers in Northern Ontario, and winter vacations in Palm Beach, Florida, all influence his designs. “Those three influences — the city, the woods, the beach — have always hugely informed my point of view.” Though he credits his early mentors for his development, he says he is “almost entirely self-taught. I read voraciously on the subjects of design, decor, fashion and art. “My relationships with my early mentors taught me a great deal, but the rest I learned through very hard work and trial and error. The trial and error part was mostly learned while renovating and decorating my own homes, so at least when I made a mistake — and I did make them! — I was learning on my own dime.” Smythe is bringing his brand of design to the Calgary Home + Garden Show to be held from February 27 to March 2, 2014, at the BMO Centre and Corral at the Stampede grounds. He will provide tips and tricks that can help any consumer with a décor dilemma. Whether you live in a large home or a small condo, Tommy’s ideas about colour, styling, and product will help and inspire you. Smythe says he is looking forward to connecting with the show’s audience. “My talks are different every time! I take a very familiar and informal approach. There are plenty of visuals to talk about, but for me, the best aspect is the interaction. The Q&A session at the end always yields a hilarious moment or two. Or ten. I can’t wait!” NL
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Top features for 2014 Here’s what else you can expect at this year’s show ready those renovation plans! The Calgary Home + Garden Show is preparing for its 33rd year from February 27 to March 2, 2014 at the bMO Centre & Corral, with its shortlist of must-see personalities and exhibits. With big names like bryan baeumler, star of HGTV’s Leave It To bryan, Tommy Smythe, designer and co-host of HGTV’s Sarah 101 and local favourites The Style Guys alykhan Velji & Jason Krell, plus more than 650 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features, there’s real advice, real inspiration and real experts at every turn.
STATE FARM MAiN STAgE PRESENTED By HgTV
gARDENS gALoRE Gardeners, take heart! experienced green thumbs and budding horticulturalists alike will find inspiration and valuable instruction in two of this year’s stunning new sections: reclaimed Gardens, a collection of found objects recycled into fashionable outdoor planters by local florist Lil’ Pink Daisy, and The Garden Stage, where professional planters and garden aficionados will share tips on how to make plots so perfect, every neighbour will go green with envy.
Spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning with inspiration from Canada’s top design, renovation and real estate experts on the State Farm Main Stage. armed with insight from past projects and years of on-the-job experience, live presenters including HGTV’s bryan baeumler and Tommy Smythe and local design stars The Style Guys will dole out their top tips to take any home from underwhelming to outstanding.
ASK AN EXPERT
Nu + SMART HoME
ABouT THE CALgARy HoME + gARDEN SHoW:
Take what it means to be a couch potato to the next level. at the Nu + Smart Home, control the thermostat, window coverings, lighting, entertainment system and so much more, all with the touch of a button. With a home this smart, equipped with the latest in home automation by Nu automations, there’s no reason to get up off the couch — let alone lift a finger! Presented by Nu automations.
The Calgary Home + Garden Show has been a staple in consumers’ calendars since 1981, attracting more than 60,000 qualified visitors every spring. Produced by Marketplace events, the show features high-interest exhibits, high-profile industry personalities and the latest home and lifestyle trends. Marketplace events produces 34 home shows in 21 markets that collectively attract 1.5 million attendees and another 1.7 million unique web visitors annually. NL adults: (18+) $15, online $12
Seniors (60+) Friday
Seniors: (60+) $12, online $9
before 5 pm $6
Children 12 under, Free buy your tickets at www.calgaryhgs.com or at the gate. Online discounts courtesy of www.HomeStars.com
TICKETS
Inspired by the world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show’s decision to lift a century-long ban on garden gnomes in 2013, Calgary’s movers and shakers will show off their creative fl air by turning a plain garden gnome into a whimsical treasure. Guests can bid on their favourites to benefit Grow Calgary, Canada’s largest urban agricultural farm dedicated to providing fresh produce to all Calgarians by way of the Calgary Interfaith Food bank.
TICKETS
BETTER gNoMES & gARDENS
Stumped on style? Interior decorating experts, professional landscapers and certified contractors will tackle design dilemmas of all kinds with free, 10-minute consultations for beleaguered renters and harried homeowners alike. Come equipped with swatches and sketches to receive the best advice in the biz — no decorating topic denied! Presented by Intact Insurance.
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Bed weather Know how to pick your sheets and covers for the perfect comfy bed n Written by
Kathy McCormick
shopping
Trico Homes’ Legacy Birchwood
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uying bed sheets used to be as simple as asking for a cup of coffee. Do you want a single or a double sheet; a black coffee or one with cream and/or sugar? The world has changed. Not only are there myriad coffee choices, from Frappuccino to shots of espresso topping up that regular coffee, but sheets, too, have become a complicated business. So much so, that the senior manager of soft side (that is, linens and bedding) at Bed Bath and Beyond advises customers to talk to the experts before buying. “It all comes down to personal preference,” says Carol Jantz. “Today, most people are looking for higher thread counts — but they have a higher price to go with them. And most people don’t know, but the higher the thread count, the wrinklier the sheet will be when washed.” And if the thread count — the amount of threads woven horizontally and vertically in a square inch — is really high, but the price doesn’t reflect that — ask questions, she says. “Some manufacturers will split a thread to label it a higher count — so it won’t be as durable.”
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Others may add threads — called picks — in the weaving process simply to up the thread count. The highest-quality, softest sheets are made with extra-long fibres, resulting in stronger yarn and that beautiful, lux feel. Some of the more familiar: Egyptian cotton, pima and the trademarked Supima. “Egyptian cotton is best because of the spinning technique they use,” says Angelo Purschke, sales manager of gift registry, china, housewares and soft home for Hudson’s Bay. But a lower thread count might be just what you like, says Jantz. “Different cotton comes from different parts of the world — and it has a different texture, which is just as important to you, again going with what you like.” Ask yourself if you like a soft, warm feel or prefer the crisp, cool look and texture of a sheet. That will help determine what you need. The Bay, for example, carries a
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600-thread-count sheet from Gluckstein Home Luxe collection — it’s “crisp but soft,” says Purschke. “The longer you have them, the softer they get.” Buying from a well-known brand is a good starting point, says Home and Garden Television on their website, Guide to Buying Sheets. “If you’re watching pennies, try a 200-count combed cotton set from a well-known brand, name brands are likely to have high certification standards for their finishing processes.” In the HGTV article, Jim Symmes, vice-president of Revman International, which manufactures sheets for brands such as Tommy Bahama and Laura Ashley, says an ideal sheet is combed cotton (where the short fibres have been combed out to leave the long ones, making a stronger, soft fabric) of 300 to 400 thread count. Most sheets now are cotton 3 — which means
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Calbridge Homes’ Lottery Home
they will breathe, as opposed to a polyester sheet or a cotton-poly blend. “The cotton/polyester blend doesn’t wrinkle as much, but it pills easily,” says Jantz. “In fact, even if you sleep in polyester pajamas on a cotton sheet, or wash cotton sheets with anything polyester, the sheets will pill.” Microloft fabric sheets are also polyester, so can be hot because they don’t breathe, even though they are soft and cosy. Flannel sheets, if they are 100 per cent cotton, are another good choice if you are looking for warmth and cosiness; sateen sheets, also a type of cotton, are slippery and cool, if that’s what you like. All-natural sheets today are made with modal, eucalyptus or bamboo — another good alternative that’s green. Jersey sheets, the t-shirt material, are made with modal, a material made from beech trees.
A new sheet is a type of “performance fabric” similar to what athletes wear today that wicks moisture from the body,” says Jantz. It is a blend of polyester and spandex and one brand name is Sheex. As for top coverings, most people today are buying duvets, says Jantz. “They are versatile, allowing you to change the look by simply switching the cover to redecorate. And you can regulate whether you want a hot or cool feel, as well as the weight, so you have more control. There are options year round.” Down and down-alternatives are numerous, again deMark on 10th pending on your needs. Some people want a light blanket feel; others like the feeling of weight. Some want a cool feel; others prefer warmth. “It depends on the fill power, the thread count, and the fill in general. It’s best to talk to someone to know what you are getting,” says Jantz. And ensure you measure your bed before you go shopping. The depth of the mattress will determine the size of top covering you will need. “It used to be 15 inches was the norm,” she says. “Now it’s 18 inches with the regular pillow-top mattress — and the deeper, bigger pillow tops can be 20 to 22 inches deep.” Duvets generally just come in these sizes — twin, full/queen and king — so there is less choice. “Pay attention to your measurements.” And because of duvet covers, people often are looking for single sheets, rather than whole sets, because they don’t need a top sheet — and those, too, are not as common to find. Quilts and comforters are generally still the favourite of the older set because they are usually 100 per cent cotton, so can breathe and allow you to add another blanket if wanted. “These and the ‘bed-in-a-bag’ are also popular choices for spare bedrooms,” Jantz says. “People really like the convenience of everything together for the spare room so it’s all pulled together easily.” While king-size beds are more and more common, the queen bedding is still the most popular, she says. NL February 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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All photos courtesy LUX Design.
Monochrome style Single-colour schemes inspire n Written by
Paige Johnston
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monochromatic colour scheme is represented by variations in tones and shades of a single hue. While the idea of a monochromatic room can be very appealing, it is often quite hard to execute. You might find that your space lacks variety and contrast, rendering it dull and boring. From small bedrooms to open concept living rooms, here are a few trade secrets for creating a magazine-worthy monochromatic space!
Texturize! Texture, characterized by the visual and tactile qualities of a surface, plays a major role in injecting depth into a monochromatic room. Textures, or finishes, include wood, glass, mirror, lacquer, leather, fabric and metal. When not enough textures are used within a space, your eye tends to blend all the surfaces together, reading the room as flat and two-dimensional. Because you’ve already limited yourself to a specific colour palette, don’t be afraid to play around with different textures. When it comes to great design, it’s all in the details and the finishes! Whether you’re in a condo or a house, if you’re working on a monochromatic living or dining room, don’t get locked down on a single fabric or finish. Avoid matching furniture sets and look, instead, to vary your pieces, combining different materials and finishes. This will produce a space that looks custom and polished. From cotton blends and silks to velvets and vinyl, fabrics can be layered together. Woods can be mixed too, from espresso finished and driftwood to walnut and reclaimed. If you find your space is falling flat, introduce a reflective material like mirror, glass or metal (anything from gold and brass to nickel and chrome). This monochromatic condo suite (opposite page), by LUX Design, remains visually appealing through a successful interplay between textures. With a subtle motif, the wallpaper adds dimension to the painted walls. Textiles are layered with leather chairs, a fabric sectional, a shag carpet and a linen shade pendant. The white high-gloss lacquer buffet and chrome accents throughout add reflective quality to the space while the natural hardwood flooring adds warmth.
Whether you’re in a condo or a house, if you’re working on a monochromatic living or dining room, don’t get locked down on a single fabric or finish.
Try Different Tones When choosing the furniture and accent pieces for your monochromatic space, be sure to vary the shades. A contrast of light and dark will not only add drama to a room, but will help to make the space appear larger, which is helpful in tighter spaces like condos and smaller homes. An easy way to play within a colour range is to go to a paint store, like Ben Moore, and grab a swatch with a grouping of hues on it. A great way to enhance the visual appeal of a monochromatic space is to pick a feature wall to highlight and paint it a darker shade within your colour palette. In your bedroom, the feature wall you choose might be the wall your headboard is against. In your living or dining room, choose the wall that first catches your eye when you walk in or pick a solid wall without windows or doors. This condo bedroom (right), by LUX Design, varied and
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layered shades of gray to create a dynamic space with great depth, despite its small size. The dramatically dark feature wall is the backdrop for a light gray headboard and a medium gray bedspread.
pLay WItH pattErN Layering motifs and patterns will help to create a visually dynamic monochromatic space. When you’re working with analogous hues, you have a lot of room to play with pattern, and an easy way to do this is with your fabrics. From carpets to cushions, patterned tone-on-tone textiles can play together to break up the monotony of a monochromatic scheme. If you have an open concept space, introducing a variety of patterns will really help to make each area stand out. A Persian rug could play well with grass cloth wallpaper, or striped drapes could pair with a chevron-upholstered chair. In this condo living room, LUX Design pairs a bold wall print with various patterned cushions, layering them with a geometric printed area carpet. If you’re working within a monochromatic dining room, introduce pattern by upholstering only the two end chairs with a daring fabric in your hues. If you’re working on a bedroom design, layer patterned cushions on the bed. Elements like this really bring character to a monochromatic space. Your vision of a monochromatic scheme shouldn’t leave you deterred and uninspired. Remember to play with textures and finishes, introduce a variety of shades, and don’t be afraid of pattern. These tips will bring life into any space, taking your room from average to the pages of a magazine! NL
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paige Johnston, a graduate of the Ryerson School of Interior Design, helped expand LUX Design, a successful Toronto-based interior design firm, to the city of Calgary. She is working now in Calgary as the lead interior designer of LUX Design.
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
STARS Lottery opens $1.3 million home grand prize A $1.325 million walkout bungalow from Augusta Fine Homes is the grand prize in the 2014 STARS Lottery. There are 3,217 more prizes to be won worth more than $5.6 million, including 30 vacations, 10 vehicles and much more. STARS Lottery organizers expect to raise $11 million this year, and having Augusta Fine Homes’ The Hogan II as the grand prize will certainly go a long way in helping keep STARS in the sky in Alberta. “They already sold 47 per cent of tickets at the launch, so I think we’re well on the way to hitting the target,” Augusta’s Wendee Bishop tells Around Town. The 3,220-square-foot The Hogan II lottery show home is at 234 Silverado Crest Landing
S.W., in the Dressage area of Silverado. The home is a masterpiece in the Craftsman tradition has three bedrooms and two-and-ahalf baths spread over its two levels. The great room has 12-foot high ceilings with custom cabinetry, the kitchen features a huge island with Alaskan White granite counter in a leather finish that goes well with the Chantilly Cream & Iron Ore cabinetry. The flooring is a harmonious blend of brushed Ash hardwood and Rox tile. “Most of what we have in the home are standards in any Augusta Fine Home product, so our buyers feel like lottery winners themselves,” Bishop says. You can buy your tickets at www.starslottery.ca or at the show home.
Six new show homes open in Auburn Bay
Calgary’s housing stats “stable” in December
Brookfield Residential’s Auburn Bay show homes
Brookfield Residential announces the opening of six new cottage inspired show homes in the award winning lake community of Auburn Bay. “We are very excited to add this new product line of homes to Auburn Bay,” Jessie Seymour, Marketing Manager for Brookfield Residential’s Calgary Communities explains. “At Brookfield Residential, we strive to provide customers with choice and unique features so that Calgary families can find the community and home that fit their lifestyles and needs.” The new show homes are from Baywest Homes, Morrison Homes and Jayman MasterBUILT. All of these homes feature spacious layouts, exceptional details and beautiful lake views. They range between 2,247 and 2,770 square-feet and their starting price is in the upper $500’s before GST. The show home parade starts at 156 Auburn Bay Avenue.
The Hogan II lottery show home
Housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 14,013 units in December compared to 13,941 in November, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts. “The trend in total housing starts in December was relatively stable compared to the previous month. A moderation in the trend of single-detached starts was offset by a rise in multi-family construction,” said Richard Cho, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for Calgary. The standalone monthly SAAR was 10,914 units in December, down from 20,509 in November. While the SAAR for single-detached starts moved lower, the decrease in total starts was mostly due to a decline in multi-family starts. But based on the statistics reported in urban areas (centres 10,000+) to the end of November, CHBA – Alberta expects 2013 total housing starts across the province to approach 35,000 units, for an increase of around 5 per cent from 2012 levels and representing the best year for builders since 2007. So, what can be expected in 2014? Statistics Canada reported in December that Alberta’s population growth for the year ending September 30th was the strongest in Canada due to record-level net migration. This all presents a positive outlook for the residential construction industry in 2014. As a result, CMHC is predicting starts will edge higher in 2014.
If I had a million dollars ... I’d buy a house, a real big one. That’s the tune many Calgarians were singing in 2013 as the number of $1 million plus homes in the city grew to record levels. According to the City of Calgary’s 2014 property assessments released at the end of the year, there are now 10,367 single-family homes in Calgary valued at over $1 million. That’s up from 9,001 at the start of the year, a 15 per cent increase. The average single-family home in Calgary came in at $430,000, a $20,000 increase from last year. The number of communities with assessed median values of $1 million or more also grew by two, to a total of nine, with Bayview and Currie Barracks joining the exclusive club. NL February 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
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calgary map n Southwest
Chestermere
Rainbow Falls · Westcreek · Westmere
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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
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advertisers index n Brookfield Residential Cranston FC, pages 12-14
Dundee Communities EvansRidge page 52
Innovations by Jayman Chaparral Valley page 55
Brookfield Residential New Brighton page 15
DS Homes page 49
Jager Homes Nolan Hill page 16
Cardel Homes Cranston page 37 Cardel Homes Quarry Park page 53 Cardel Renos page 3
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Emerald Homes Sovereign Court page 42
Jayman page 4
Genesis Builders Canals Landing page 7
Calgary Home + Garden Show page 36
Hopewell Copperfield page 29
Mattamy Homes Southwinds page 56
February 2014
McKee Homes page 32 Renomark page 52 Sabal Homes page 20 Tamani Communities Riversong page 2 United Communities Drake Landing page 38
United Communities Nolan Hill page 9 Watermark page 42 Wellspring Toupee for a Day page 25 West Creek Developments Legacy page 24
hope at large n
By Marty Hope
Mountain chill Resort business looks to be back up in Panorama After a six-year hiatus due in large part to the decline of the world economy, residential development at Panorama Mountain Village in the heart of the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia is back — and with a vengeance. Steve Paccagnan, chief executive officer of PMV, reports that more than $7 million worth of new homes has been sold in the village’s newest community Trappers Ridge — and that’s just six months after it was released to the public. In real numbers, that means that 17 of the 21 homes in the first phase have been scooped up by buyers, dominated by those from Alberta and British Columbia, who shelled out some $7.14 million. “This is a significant economic indicator that activity is starting to pick up in the Columbia Valley,” says Paccagnan. “We’ve seen remarkable sales with 80 per cent of home sites already sold.” This positive real estate news comes following an earlier announcement by PMV that the world-class, four-season resort was investing some $350 million over the next 15 to 20 years in 750 single-family homes and townhouses, says Panorama director Rick Jensen. Looking at the big picture, the newly-unveiled Trappers Ridge will eventually be the site of 450 houses. A separate development of another 300 will break ground later in the area of the Greywolf golf course. “Panorama Mountain Village has the land to double the size of the resort and elevate it to a position among the very best vacation destinations,” says Jensen.
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For now, though, the focus is on building and selling the 21 homes in the first phase of Trappers Ridge. “Phase one of Trappers Ridge is selling at a faster pace than we anticipated. I’ve never been more excited about the future of Panorama,” says Jensen, adding that the resurgence of the Alberta economy was a “big factor” in deciding to renew the village’s residential construction program. And the vision for the slope-side development will be on delivering housing that is geared to the family and with a high level of quality construction and finishes — and affordability, says Jensen who stepped back from his role as Panorama Mountain Village president and chief executive officer to head up the real estate and development portfolios. The first phase of Trappers Ridge has home-and-lot prices starting from $459,000 — with no strata fees — “prices that most in the second-home market can handle,” Jensen adds. Homeowners can also take advantage of a rental pool that can only add to the affordability element. How affordable are the Trappers Ridge homes? Well, in earlier developments in Panorama, single-family homes averaged $650,000 to $2 million. In addition to being in one of North America’s best-known ski destinations, Paccagnan says the involvement of New Dawn Developments is a big reason why
Panorama Village
Trappers Ridge has captured the interest of recreation property buyers. “New Dawn has the track record as the preferred builder in several mountain communities throughout the B.C. Rockies because it offers the latest in design and innovation with a wide range of floor plans any style or budget,” he says. Homeowners can do the ski-in/ski-out thing close to their doorsteps, or they can take a casual stroll or bicycle ride from the village — whatever suits their fancy. “I’m really excited about the new neighbourhoods we’ll build, as well as a village with more shopping, dining, and outdoor experiences,” says Jensen. NL
Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.